http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Hydraulic Brake Advice en Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:51:16 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13373#post-163858 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 09:58:20 +0000 I were right about that saddle 163858@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sounds like something is very wrong. Can't tell what by text alone though. Just need to check all the components for leaks from the master cylinder to the pistons. </p> <p>The brakes are new, so back they go. Just play the irrate and intransigent customer. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13373#post-163846 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 07:50:50 +0000 acsimpson 163846@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Piston seals was my first guess but it seems unlikely for more than one brand new set to exhibit the same flaw which is why I was hoping there might be another explanation such as excessive lubricant being used on the pistons while in manufacture. Is that possible or not? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13373#post-163844 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 07:32:00 +0000 I were right about that saddle 163844@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yup, probably the piston seals. But check all the joints. Wipe them all dry, give the brakes a long hard squeeze and examine for weeping fluid.</p> <p>You can replace seals yourself without too much fuss, but not everyone is comfortable disassembling hydraulics. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13373#post-163842 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:41:36 +0000 tk 163842@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sounds like the piston seals in the calliper have failed. This can be down to grit, wrong fluid or wear and tear. It's a factory service but may be covered for free if they are under warranty </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13373#post-163837 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:29:31 +0000 acsimpson 163837@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>(tl;dr - new brakes and replacements showing fluid on the back of the pads)</p> <p>I fitted my new hydraulic/cable brakes last weekend and while bedding them in noticed a large performance difference between front and bake brakes. On taking the pads out I diagnosed the reason as brake fluid leaking from the pistons onto the pads. In fact on closer inspection it appears that both the front and back calipers had fluid on the back of the pads.</p> <p>I have now received replacements and before I have even fitted them thought I would check the pistons. I put the discs into the brakes and pulled them on a few times before removing the pads. Lo and behold on the back of the pads there is evidence of fluid.</p> <p>Has anyone else experienced this with new brakes? Is there another explanation other than leaking brake fluid? </p>